[Kobajo84]

I initially started my very basics with the expert village youtube video tutorials before I bought Veena’s lessons. You can also check into your local library for pole DVDs. I would recommend learning all those moves/spins you already know on the opposite side or your weaker side. Try doing everything on both sides to equal your strength. The bruises are normal. They’re even worse for self learners because as a self learner we don’t have someone there to instruct us properly in order to avoid those nasty bruises. You can also increase your upper body strength by sustaining a Boomerang hold in a stationary pose and holding it as long as you can. There’s a great online reference for any names of moves you aren’t quite sure of as everyone has a different name for one move- http://www.wikipole.org If you’re not sure what a Boomerang Hold is, I’ve attached the image below.
https://www.studioveena.comhttp&#58://www.triagedesign.co.uk/wikipole/images/0/08/Boomeranghold.jpg
One studio I went to as a warmup the instructor had her students pull their bodies up into this hold for 5 reps (up into pose and then feet back to floor) and then switch the hand placement and repeat for 5 more reps. Hope that helps. I found this move to be great for increasing my strength when I first started.

[Kobajo84]

After strenuous workouts I will eat something high in protein. It helps replenish energy reserves and is good for building muscles. Tuna is high in protein. I’ve attached an article with some good examples of proteins for your diet. I always like to stress the importance of feeding your muscles but you also want to make sure you hydrate them as well. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_sunny.gif
http://www.ehow.com/facts_6937027_food-lean-muscle-building.html

[Kobajo84]

I agree with everyone else, Veena’s lessons are a great way to begin your pole journey. Start with just the basics so you’re not having to back track later. It’s also important to start with strength building and conditioning moves first so as not to injure yourself by trying to perform a move your body is not ready for yet. Everything in pole dancing takes time. Inverting can be very dangerous to attempt as your first moves. It’s fun to do but many studios will not teach inverting as a beginner move. It requires built up strength and awareness of your body to safely maneuver. Practicing this move before you’re ready can result in injury. I started with Veena’s lessons and am glad I had the opportunity to learn from her back when pole dancing was in it’s infantile state here in the U.S. over two years ago. There weren’t any studios in my area and since then there are currently 3 studios now close to my home. Pole fitness is an increasing popular trend. It’s important that you learn safely and properly to ensure you’ll be enjoying your new found hobby for many years to come. If you have an area studio close to you, you should check it out. There are also numerous dvds on the market that can teach you basics. It’s great to look at all avenues when learning. But for starters, I am still sticking by Veena’s lessons. They are affordable and instant access from your own home whenever you want them. Good luck and I’m sure I can speak for many of us here, looking forward to seeing your progress!

[Kobajo84]

Thank you everyone so much for your advice! I only ever pole every second day (sometimes every third if something comes up that prevents me from dancing) but even with a rest day or two, some of my bruises were pretty tender. The top of my foot was swollen as well as colorful! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif

I’ll give myself more time to heal if the bruises are painful rather than just a little tender. And I’ll definately buy myself some arnica (that stuff sounds amazing!) and I’ll ice the bruises or soon-to-be-bruises as well.

Thanks again! And my bruises thank you, too! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif

Have you thought about wearing shoes to help alleviate the pressure area of the bruises? I’ve found alternating between shoes, heels, and bare feet each give me a different experience during pole sessions. Hope that helps. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif

[Kobajo84]

I am selling my Lil Mynx stainless steel 50mm. I decided to get an xpert titanium gold. Depending on weather, ect,ss can be slippery; however, it served me well for almost three years. It’s boxed right now till I can find a new home for it https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif The ceiling mount is, of course included. It’s excellent condition, well taken care of.

As a Merry Christmas, all I’m asking for it is the shipping cost to you. I’m in California. Please contact me if interested.

Let me know if you don’t find anyone- I’d be willing to buy this pole. I’m interested in a SS Lil Mynx as I already have a black LiL Mynx rotator pole. I’m looking at getting a stainless steel finish pole to add to my collection and don’t mind that it’s a static only pole. I know a lot of people look for the rotator poles especially making their first pole purchase, this however would pole #3 for me so spinning isn’t a necessity. I can PM you my zip code if you haven’t found a buyer yet. Thanks!

[Kobajo84]

Have you tried amazon.com? They have great deals on pole dvds.

[Kobajo84]

Thanks for all your input https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif …I was reviewing my notes of everything I came up with and I’ll actually be working on the pole sits and pole climbs first to get their skin accustomed to the pole. I don’t plan on working on inverts until week 3 or 4. I agree, with a full class of 8 the majority of my time will be spent spotting so I will have to stick to one move at a time so I can get to everyone. I think I will have them work on their beginner level stuff that they learned until their turn for the new move. Thanks again everyone, this has been really helpful in getting my brain working in teaching mode. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_sunny.gif

[Kobajo84]

I forgot to take into account the number of students: max 8. Number of poles 5: 1 for instructor, 4 poles for students. Since my class will max out at 8 that could mean a full class will equal 2 students per pole- which will limit the time and amount of criteria to cover per class.
So class #1 may consist of: warm up stretching, handstand variations away from pole, basic invert, supervised free pole, cool down stretches.

[Kobajo84]

Tips for Cross Ankle Release

What I find helps with my stability is what the name of the move implies; the action of crossing the ankles…that crossing of the ankles action is what enables your inner thighs to form a locking grip on the pole.

To get to a comfortable feel for that locking of the thighs action that fits just right with the pole, I would recommend going into a simple walk into handstand facing away from the pole. From here you can wrap your legs around the pole and cross your ankles all while slipping your thighs into the position on the pole where you can still use your hands for safe stability. Use your thighs as support to experiment holding your weight and move your hands slightly above ground level. Make sure to keep your hands close to the ground to catch yourself back into a handstand in case your thighs unlock. As your grip gets more comfortable you will be able to move on to the next step- Cross Ankle Release on the pole.

The first time I CAR on the pole, I got my thighs in the "sweet spot" or comfortable grip and crossed my ankles. With my legs extended and my upper body upright, I slowly worked my upper body into a release to a handstand position where my hands supported me on the floor once I released back. If you have someone to spot you, you can have them help you with your release back lowering you safely into the position where you can place your hands on the ground.

If your just wanting to experiment with getting into that "sweet spot", you can always lay on your back on the floor with your butt against the pole and put your legs into CAR position as well. As Veena teaches for safety, always try to do a move from the floor first. Hope some of that helped and good luck. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_sunny.gif

[Kobajo84]

I’m thinking of going too! Keep me in the loop Rena!

[Kobajo84]

I’m 26 and will be 27 here in March and I haven’t gotten the splits yet. Just recently (like last week) started to get serious on this one. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_bounce.gif I think that should be my birthday goal. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif To get the splits before March 30’th. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_compress.gif

[Kobajo84]

I gave up on Youtube for a long time and recently just started reposting. I don’t have any issues with any pole haters- the majority of people actually watching my videos are other people in the pole community. So far I haven’t had any problems and my comment settings are open to anyone. I think there’s so many of out there now that it’ll take the average negative Joe forever to get to my videos. LOL.

[Kobajo84]

I’m not sure if I can make it- I see the AFAA is hosting this event in Indianapolis the same time. I inquired with my studio to see if this is something she’d like her instructors to become certified in as well. Can you provide more information on the benefits of the certification for pole dance instructors? Is it an annual certification as well? Thanks!

[Kobajo84]

That was awesome JC. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif Look forward to seeing you again in chat! We’ve missed you!!! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

[Kobajo84]

Does anyone have problems with the gloves cutting up their legs? I use my tacky mighty grip gloves for inversions and find that the Velcro cuts up my inner thighs. I’ve given up on using them for the most part because I have large scabbed welts all over my legs after I use them for inversions. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_sad.gif

[Kobajo84]

I just got done responding to hookedonpole in a personal message about this topic and thought I’d publicly share my recent camcorder purchase.
http://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-Camileo-Full-HD-Pocket-Camcorder/dp/B003DZ122O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1291182258&sr=8-1

I got the Toshiba Camileo S20 camcorder from amazon.com.
Product Features
1080p Full HD resolution video
4x digital zoom in 720p, 1x in 1080p
HDMI digital AV output
3.0-Inch LCD Monitor
Easy YouTube upload button
Technical Details
Brand Name: Toshiba
Model: PA3792U-1CAM
Media Type: Flash card
Lens Type: Lens
Optical zoom: 5 x
Maximum Aperture Range: F/3.2
Shooting Modes: Digital photo mode
Video Input: Camcorder
Display Size: 3 inches
Optical Sensor Resolution: 5.000 MP
Optical Sensor Technology: CMOS
Viewfinder Type: None
Height: 0.7 inches
Weight: 0.22 pounds
Width: 4.2 inches

I change my settings to the 720p because the videos load faster to my computer and the quality is just as good as 1080p for just doing pole videos. I love the light feature and swivel screen. I usually film my pole videos where the screen is sideways and I rotate my videos when I edit them in imovie. A con of the product is it is not compatible with Mac OS X. I have a Macbook Pro so my husband had to create a conversion program for me. The conversion program isn’t so bad and I didn’t want to send the camcorder back because I love it so much so the small hassel of converting isn’t a big deal. I usually load my videos and put them in the converting program and while its converting I hop in the shower post workout. The camcorder works wonderful with Windows Pc. It even has a button to directly send your videos from the camcorder to your youtube. (I have yet to use this feature as I tend to edit my videos pre-posting to the world.) It also came with a small tripod, however I rarely use this because I set the camcorder sideways. The tripod is only useful when filming upright and I need maximum pole footage in my videos. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif I also bought a flash card for memory and have found 8gb to work perfectly. The battery lasts a long time- I have gone through 4 workouts on one battery charge. (I usually workout 1 to 2 hours total). Hope that helps and I’m very happy with my early Christmas present to myself. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_santa.gif

[Kobajo84]

I’ve found putting tape on the bottom of my heels works really well. The saleswoman told me that if you rub the bottoms down on cement it’ll help ease the grip- I haven’t tried this bc the tape worked well enouugh for me. Hope that helps.

[Kobajo84]

YAY! Congrats! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

[Kobajo84]

My latest moves are – perfected the remi drop, baby version of the phoenix and the jade…

I quoted Charley from her post since she is the previous poster for me…Yes I can do the jade, my latest 3 moves are:
Holly drop, scorpio handstand spin, and allegra w/foot grab.

[Kobajo84]

I have to work that day so I won’t be able to attend. Are you back in Indy?

[Kobajo84]

My husband is having the same problem right now. I thought he had an ear infection bc his throat has been bothering him too. When I had an ear infection, I was using a syringe to rinse my ear with water. Since my ear was already sensitive, this created my ear drum to rupture. I ended up going to a CVS minute clinic. They gave me cipro ear drops which helped clear it up.

[Kobajo84]

I agree with what the other ladies said- I was going to say it too- No Monkey Footing the Pole! LOL. You have plenty of time to work on that though. Also, slow it down a bit. Its easy to rush when you have the music going and you’re thinking about your next move. Don’t hurry through your routine, give yourself enough time so you can wow the audience and let them ooooo and aaahh your great moves. Good luck and keep us posted!

[Kobajo84]

How do you vote? Do you fill out the little box on the left upper corner? https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_scratch.gif

[Kobajo84]

Welcome to the site fellow Indiana poler! I’m in Indianapolis but originally from Portage/Valparaiso. Megs is my bestfriend and lives close to you. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_sunny.gif

[Kobajo84]

Any dry erase marker works great on mirrors, windows, smooth appliance finishes etc…

As a team lead for a systems engineering group in a previous life, we would fille any space we could find with notes and design specs using this same method.

You guys should sell Purple Studioveena.com dry erase markers. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_santa.gif